Bengals Plan to Make Ja’Marr Chase Highest-Paid Non-QB in NFL \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The Cincinnati Bengals are preparing to make All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL, according to director of player personnel Duke Tobin. The team has picked up Chase’s fifth-year option at $21.8 million but is working on a long-term deal expected to exceed $40 million per year. Head coach Zac Taylor reaffirmed the team’s commitment to retaining its star playmakers, including Tee Higgins and pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. As the Bengals aim to return to Super Bowl contention, securing their core players remains a top priority this offseason.
Bengals Prioritize Ja’Marr Chase Extension: Quick Looks
- Chase Set for Record Contract: The Bengals plan to make All-Pro WR Ja’Marr Chase the NFL’s highest-paid non-quarterback, with a deal expected to exceed $40 million per year.
- Tee Higgins’ Future Uncertain: The team wants to keep Higgins alongside Chase, but his long-term status remains unclear as he played last season on the franchise tag.
- Trey Hendrickson Also Due for a Raise: The star pass rusher has recorded 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons, and the Bengals hope to extend his contract.
- Bengals Committed to Core Playmakers: Joe Burrow’s supporting cast remains a priority, with coach Zac Taylor emphasizing the importance of keeping key offensive and defensive pieces.
- Cincinnati Looking to Rebuild Super Bowl Contender: After missing the playoffs the past two seasons, the Bengals are focused on balancing major contracts while maintaining a competitive roster.
- What’s Next? The team aims to finalize Chase’s extension soon, while also deciding whether to retain Higgins and extend Hendrickson.
Deep Look
The Cincinnati Bengals are preparing to reward All-Pro wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase with a record-breaking contract, one that would make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
With Chase’s fifth-year option for 2025 already exercised at $21.8 million, the team is working toward a long-term deal projected to exceed $40 million per year. However, the Bengals also have crucial decisions to make regarding wide receiver Tee Higgins and pass rusher Trey Hendrickson, as they navigate a complex financial landscape while maintaining a championship-caliber roster.
Director of player personnel Duke Tobin made it clear at the NFL Scouting Combine that signing Chase is the team’s top priority, stating:
“He is going to end up being the No. 1 paid non-quarterback in the league. We’re there. Let’s get it done.”
Ja’Marr Chase’s Dominance and Contract Expectations
Chase put together one of the most dominant seasons in NFL history in 2024, becoming just the sixth player in the Super Bowl era to achieve the “receiving triple crown”—leading the league in:
- Receptions (127)
- Receiving yards (1,708)
- Touchdown catches (17)
His explosive playmaking ability has made him the focal point of Joe Burrow’s passing attack, and the Bengals are committed to keeping their franchise quarterback paired with his most dangerous weapon.
By signing Chase to a long-term deal now, the Bengals would secure his prime years while managing salary cap flexibility for future seasons. The $40+ million per year projection would surpass other recent WR contracts, including:
- Justin Jefferson (Vikings): Expected extension in the $35-$38 million per year range
- Tyreek Hill (Dolphins): $30 million per year
- Davante Adams (Raiders): $28 million per year
Given his age, production, and impact, Chase is expected to set the new market standard for wide receivers.
Where Does Tee Higgins Fit In?
While Chase’s extension is a near certainty, the Bengals face a tougher decision regarding Tee Higgins.
Higgins, who played last season on the franchise tag, has been a key piece of the Bengals’ offense since being drafted in 2020. However, the financial strain of keeping both Chase and Higgins long-term is significant.
Head coach Zac Taylor emphasized the importance of keeping Burrow’s top receivers, stating:
“It’s good to have great players that want to be rewarded. That’s a good problem to have.”
Higgins has expressed interest in staying, but if an extension doesn’t materialize, he could become a top target in free agency next offseason.
The Bengals will have to weigh whether they can afford two massive WR contracts or if they should prioritize other areas of the roster.
Trey Hendrickson’s Contract Situation
Beyond Chase and Higgins, defensive star Trey Hendrickson is also seeking a new deal.
The All-Pro pass rusher has recorded 17.5 sacks in back-to-back seasons, making him one of the NFL’s most consistent edge threats.
Tobin acknowledged the team’s desire to extend Hendrickson, saying:
“He’s been a great fit for us. We would like to keep him not only happy but with us on a longer-term basis.”
However, negotiations haven’t reached a final stage yet, as the Bengals must balance their salary cap commitments across the roster.
Can the Bengals Keep All Three?
Cincinnati is at a crossroads when it comes to roster construction.
- Joe Burrow already signed a five-year, $275 million deal, making him the highest-paid QB in the NFL.
- Ja’Marr Chase will likely become the highest-paid WR in history.
- Tee Higgins is seeking a lucrative extension.
- Trey Hendrickson is due for a pay raise.
The Bengals must decide whether to keep all three or let one walk to maintain roster flexibility.
Building a Super Bowl Contender Again
The Bengals reached the Super Bowl in 2021 and followed it up with an AFC Championship Game appearance in 2022. However, they missed the playoffs in each of the past two seasons (9-8 records in 2023 and 2024), largely due to injuries and inconsistent play on both sides of the ball.
Locking up Chase, Higgins, and Hendrickson would solidify Cincinnati’s core for another championship push, but doing so would limit their ability to address other needs through free agency.
Tobin emphasized the Bengals’ commitment to rewarding their top players, stating:
“Our players want a good football team, and we’re going to attack that and respect that.”
What’s Next?
- The Bengals aim to finalize Ja’Marr Chase’s contract extension soon, potentially before training camp.
- Tee Higgins’ future remains uncertain, as negotiations continue and the possibility of testing free agency looms.
- Trey Hendrickson will discuss a potential extension with the Bengals, though talks have yet to reach a final stage.
As Cincinnati positions itself for another Super Bowl run, securing its core playmakers will be critical in shaping the franchise’s future.
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